Thank you ladies and gentlemen, brothers and sisters for taking the time to read this article. Every week during this month we will be sending a brief piece for thought.  We hope these articles open new paths of discussion and provoke us to reflect and think as we push forward into this new decade.

This month institutions, churches, government offices and elected officials will host celebrations, events and exhibits highlighting African-American’s contributions to our nation.  The New York Urban League is no exception.  For the past 8 years every February we pause to highlight corporations whose diversity principles and practices show that valuing diversity is embedded in their corporate culture.  On February 8^th the New York Urban League honored Aetna, American Airlines, Major League Baseball and Morgan Stanley at the 7th Annual Champions of Diversity Awards Breakfast.

As we celebrate how far we have come in some ways, I am struck by the places where diversity still is not reflected in our city.  Last week students across the city received their admittance into the top high schools that the five boroughs have to offer including Stuyvesant High School.  While 958 students were accepted into this prestigious high school, there were only 7 African-Americans. This represents less than 1% of the entire freshman class.  Admissions into the top high schools are flawed, that cannot denied. Overall, 36.7 percent of Latinos and 34.7 percent of black students are enrolled in the city’s public school system; Asian and white students represent 14.3 percent and 14.2 percent of the student body respectively. While Latino and Black students comprise over 70 percent of the student body, why are only three percent represented in the top high schools?

One cannot help but be reminded of nine students who were accepted in a small high in Arkansas in 1957, who became legendarily known as the Little Rock Nine.  Over 50 years ago, these students made history being the minority in a high quality, high impact school.  In 2010 the struggle continues. 

The New York Urban League Champions of Diversity Awards Breakfast was started due to the outpouring of support for the June 2003 Supreme Court decision upholding the basic tenets of affirmative action. So as the Urban League celebrates those businesses and corporations that are best in class, we must remember that our work is not finished yet. 

We can no longer accept an education in elementary or middle school that is below average - the education of our children is too important. As we celebrate our 90^th Anniversary the New York Urban League is reaffirming our commitment to education – we are re-entering schools, re-engaging the youth through our HBCU College Fair and College Readiness Program and reminding all that education is the key to success. The admissions results at Stuyvesant High School must act as a wake up call. All students need an education that will allow them to compete.  Educating our youth is not simply about making the grade; it is about teaching them how to interact in the real world. Our schools are not reflecting the diversity of our city and every child, no matter ones race or ethnicity, is losing out. In 2010 we should not have a Stuyvesant Seven.

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